The Difference Between Shrink Film And Stretch Film
After years in the packaging industry, Industrial Packaging frequently receives questions about shrink film and stretch film, especially: "What is the difference between them?" One film can be used in a heat tunnel for packaging, while using the other this way could cause a fire. Understanding the differences is crucial when sourcing these materials. This article explains their distinctions and appropriate applications. What Is Shrink Film? Shrink film , also known as shrink wrap, is a polymer-based plastic packaging material, typically made from polyolefin, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or polyethylene. When heated to a specific temperature, shrink film uniformly contracts to form a snug, protective layer around the product. Heat is typically applied using a heat gun or a heat tunnel. In the heat tunnel process, the film is loosely sealed around the product with an L-bar sealer before being conveyed through the tunnel. As the pro...